Enjoy the dog days of summer by adopting a pet

Nan Kirlin

By Nan Kirlin

Published: Sunday, August 4, 2013 at 05:53 PM.

Here we are, beginning what’s called the dog days of summer as we launch into August. Personally, I’m ready for some intense sun and scorching heat to help dry out the county. This is the perfect time to take the dog days literally – why not adopt a pet from the Gaston County Shelter?

By adopting a pet, you will help “reduce” the number of animals at the shelter, maybe “reuse” a pet who has been given up for adoption, and maybe even “recycle” a pet that did not fit into another’s home.

Just two weeks ago, daughter Maddie visited the shelter, looking for the right companion to live with her in her apartment. She spent a few hours with the kittens, and a gray kitten picked Maddie, even though she had intended to make the decision. “Jay” – as he would soon be named – was affectionate, adorable and cuddled in her arms…deed done!

According to the shelter program, Maddie chose a veterinary clinic from a list, and the kitten was taken by shelter staff to the office, checked out and neutered before she would officially adopt. If this kitten had been determined to be unhealthy, they would not proceed with the adoption – Maddie would have chosen another kitten before forming any attachment to Jay.

The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, the first Saturday of each month, and closed the other Saturdays and Sundays.

The cost to adopt includes the first set of shots, a physical/check-up and either spaying or neutering. For $75, you can walk away with the kitten of your dreams or $90 will get you the puppy that you’ve always wanted.

Here we are, beginning what’s called the dog days of summer as we launch into August. Personally, I’m ready for some intense sun and scorching heat to help dry out the county. This is the perfect time to take the dog days literally – why not adopt a pet from the Gaston County Shelter?

By adopting a pet, you will help “reduce” the number of animals at the shelter, maybe “reuse” a pet who has been given up for adoption, and maybe even “recycle” a pet that did not fit into another’s home.

Just two weeks ago, daughter Maddie visited the shelter, looking for the right companion to live with her in her apartment. She spent a few hours with the kittens, and a gray kitten picked Maddie, even though she had intended to make the decision. “Jay” – as he would soon be named – was affectionate, adorable and cuddled in her arms…deed done!

According to the shelter program, Maddie chose a veterinary clinic from a list, and the kitten was taken by shelter staff to the office, checked out and neutered before she would officially adopt. If this kitten had been determined to be unhealthy, they would not proceed with the adoption – Maddie would have chosen another kitten before forming any attachment to Jay.

The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, the first Saturday of each month, and closed the other Saturdays and Sundays.

The cost to adopt includes the first set of shots, a physical/check-up and either spaying or neutering. For $75, you can walk away with the kitten of your dreams or $90 will get you the puppy that you’ve always wanted.

According to Philip Moeller, a researcher at the Sloan Center of Aging and Work at Boston College, a pet is just what the doctor ordered, especially as we age. Older folks are the perfect match for pets. So many times, young families decide to round out their families with a pet, only to find that the pet ends up being an afterthought, and maybe neglected in the hectic schedules that young families have. Senior citizens are perfect for pets! You could choose something other than a dog or cat, but the companionship provided by these critters is hard to beat – unless you have a really special bird or fish!

The number one reason for owning a pet is companionship. So many times seniors can become depressed when alone, and dogs will match your schedule to theirs. Small dogs make good traveling partners, too. Dogs are never out of the office or off duty.

Pets will force a routine – most of us do better if we follow a daily schedule. Dogs, for sure may force you to exercise outside, and we all know that just getting out into nature is good for our overall health. Most pet owners have less stress because pets have a way of easing the tension of the day – maybe it’s the purring or the wagging tail.

Pets can be the ticket to new friends! So many times people will make conversation because of a dog or cat – and may be the beginning of new friendships. Pet ownership can also introduce you to new experiences or organizations that you may want to volunteer with and for. The best part of having a pet is they compel interest in something that needs your care, and in return, they provide companionship and unconditional love!

Hope you take full advantage of our dog days of August.

Nan Kirlin is recycling coordinator for Gaston County. Her column runs on Sundays.